Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Abstract:
There is no doubt that Africa is trapped in natural resources. Apart from the mineral resources, it has the advantage of accommodating millions of people that can become veritable tools for continental transformation. This is predicated on the maxim that Man creates wealth. Unfortunately, it appears that the teaming population has almost become a paradox. The demographic growth, particularly in what has become a youth bulge has turned to a source of worry to policy makers. If this trend is not economically addressed, it portends danger in the years ahead. This study is to examine how the challenge of youth bulge in Africa can be surmounted with capacity building. This is a qualitative research and data collected was based on secondary sources. These include a review of existing literature, newspapers, official bulletins and visit to some research institutes such as the Claude Ake School of Government, University of Port Harcourt, Choba and the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL)in Port Harcourt. It was discovered that Africa would face a challenge of monumental proportion if its fast growing youths are not given opportunities to be employed. More important is the fact that the Arab spring was facilitated by youths who saw no future in a system that do not offer them an opportunity for a social reproduction. We therefore recommend that African leaders should as a matter of urgency initiate a process of systematic capacity building. This would circumvent the occurrence of an African spring, ensure human security and development.

Keywords: Arab Spring, Human Security, Development, Transformation, Youth Bulge

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